What’s the best way to be happy and successful? What do most happy and successful people have in common? If you answered “money,” or anything to do with meditation or networking skills, you’re off the mark, according to Jason Butler, a former financial planner who is currently working as a motivational speaker. He says that […]
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‘Investing Insight’ Category
2015 Year End Report In year just past, we experienced many things—a prelude to a Presidential election, a renewal of terrorist concerns, a trip to Pluto—but in the investment markets, we will look back and yawn. Despite some entertaining ups and downs, particularly in the third quarter of the year, the markets ended pretty much […]
Using ETFs in Tactical Asset Allocation Strategies – Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may be ideal tools for helping savvy investors execute a tactical asset allocation strategy. A general understanding of tactical asset allocation can help crystallize this strategic use of ETFs. The process of creating an allocation starts with an assessment of the investor’s age, goals, and […]
What Are the Tax Issues Associated With a Gain or Loss on a Primary Residence? For U.S. federal income tax purposes, you may be able to exclude from income any gain up to $250,000 for a single taxpayer and $500,000 for a married couple filing a joint return. Generally, to exclude the gain, you must […]
We will almost surely see the U.S. Federal Reserve Board start the long process of ending its intrusion into the interest rate markets, by allowing rates to rise starting on Wednesday. It will be the first time the Fed has raised rates since 2006, and for some it will mark the beginning of the final […]
[contextly_auto_sidebar] During this time of year, people turn their attention to finding the perfect gift for everyone in their family, not to mention the gifts needed for work gatherings, as well as holiday gift exchanges with friends and neighbors. You try not to spend too much, but unfortunately, a majority of your gift purchases will most […]
Small Business Owners: Test Your Retirement Plan Knowledge While worker confidence about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement has been on the rise in recent years, that confidence is based largely on access to and participation in a workplace retirement plan. According to the latest annual Retirement Confidence Survey conducted by the Employee […]
Should I Have Separate Accounts for My Deductible and Nondeductible IRA Contributions? While it is not required to hold separate IRAs for deductible and nondeductible contributions, many financial experts recommend that you do so. The chief reason? Tax planning. What to do? If you “commingle” your funds — that is, create one account that has […]
How Might Rising Interest Rates Affect Your Stock Investments? The Federal Reserve’s actions can have a marked influence on the economy and financial markets. For instance, some market analysts believe that the Fed’s massive, multi-year bond-buying program coupled with a record-setting period of near-zero interest rates fueled the six-year bull market for stocks. Now investors […]
How Do I Pay for Health Care Costs While Living or Traveling Abroad? Generally speaking, public and private health insurance plans in the United States — including Medicare and most private policies — only pay for treatment and services provided to individuals while they are in this country. Therefore, as an American living, working, or […]